Mailbag: Dirty WNBA players?

So, I was asked my opinion about the non-calls against Lauren Jackson and it made me laugh. Sure, LJ got a chuckle with the media following the Phoenix game when asked what Diana Taurasi was saying after hitting those three-pointers and getting fouled. “She’s saying a lot of stuff, none of which I feel comfortable repeating, she’s funny,” Jackson responded. Know that I love LJ’s play, but she should talk. As foul-mouthed as Taurasi is on the court, Jackson is just as bad.
And as for the flying elbows and sneaky fouls, I’d have to say the duo is about equal and not just when they play each other. Jackson has become “cleaner” as she’s matured, but she’s still a sneaky player that believes she does no wrong. And while I’d say officiating has not improved much in my years covering the league, it’s still equal-opportunity bad. If all the fouls that were made were actually called, they’d be pulling me, Adia Barnes, and the rest of press row out the stands to play.
Others on the list of dirty players? Definitely DeLisha Milton-Jones (Los Angeles), Mwadi Mabika (Houston), when she does play, Janel McCarville (New York), and Plenette Pierson (Detroit).
I say the cleaner players are Tully Bevilaqua (Indiana), Sheryl Swoopes (Seattle), and, this is going to hurt Storm fans, but Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles). Even though Leslie does a few devilish moves, it’s player-specific. Swoopes will make a disgusted face on the court, but she’s so business-like, it’s creepy. And I’m curious what your thoughts are.
Still, I love the fire of a Jackson and Taurasi. It makes the game more fun to watch. Plus, I’m always wondering when things will go to blows, again. Just so you know, Jackson said she’d take Taurasi in a fight between the Phoenix star and Yolanda Griffith, because “I’ve seen her [Taurasi] fight,” Jackson said.

About Women’s Hoops

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!" You can email Jayda or follow her on Twitter.